Soothing words

Soothing words

From Media Indonesia

In a recent morning news TV broadcast Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, former coordinating minister for political, social and security affairs, shared his hopes in connection with the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) scheduled for Aug. 1, 2001. Speaking in an interactive dialog, he made an appeal that the MPR special session should avoid a political deadlock. In his opinion, such a situation would create chaos and conflict. He also hoped for peaceful settlement of friction in the session.

Susilo's appeal was positive, soothing and worthy of everyone's attention, amid the worrying political conditions in the lead up to the special session. President Abdurrahman Wahid has threatened to issue a decree to dissolve the House of Representatives and MPR for failing to respond to his call for a reconciliation meeting he arranged. The media have also reported a bomb blast in which 12 people were injured. It would be wise for the political elite to make similar comforting calls and dispel thoughts of mere struggle for power. The nation is facing complex problems and the public cannot tolerate extra burden.

With the country being torn asunder by clashes and disputes, we should all pull together to solve the nation's problems by creating peace and tranquility prior to the special session of the MPR. We won't allow the greed for power of a small minority of leaders to ravage the achievements of our founding fathers in fighting against colonizers and for national unity. It's our hope that the special session will result in the best decision for the nation's benefit. We should sincerely accept this decision, including a change in national leadership.

PURWADIJO

Bogor, West Java